Five Days Later

Vulcan Embassy – San Francisco, Earth

"Lorian Kirk and Amanda, thou art making a wise decision in the choice you make to marry," High Priestess T'Pau said in a toneless voice as she stood before Lorian and Amanda, both of whom were dressed in Vulcan wedding attire with their Starfleet pips on their collar. "Do thee take each other?"

Lorian silently reached for Amanda's hands and swore a vow of forever unity and love in Vulcan, having practiced it several times since his talk with Sarek. Amanda smiled at him, took his hands, and repeated the same vows of forever unity and love in Vulcan. T'Pau nodded her head approvingly at them.

"Thee are prepared for marriage," T'Pau spoke tonelessly. "Go in peace forever united by your bond."

Quiet applause filled the sky as Lorian and Amanda turned to face the crowd as a newly joined husband and wife. T'Pau quietly returned to the section where several Vulcan elders sat while the crowd rose to greet Lorian and Amanda and also move to the reception area. The wedding had been peaceful.

Jim smiled and gently placed his hands on Lorian's arms as his eldest son approached where he, Gillian, George, and Gabriel had been for the ceremony, "Congratulations, Lorian," he said in a warm voice.

"It was not without your guidance and support that I was able to get to this point," Lorian replied softly.

Jim's smile grew as Lorian slowly hugged both him and Gillian before giving the same to both George and Gabriel, "I have purchased an apartment in the same building as yours for Amanda and I should there come an occasion that my permanent damage inhibits my ability to function," Lorian spoke.

Amanda gave Lorian a reassuring look and immediately escorted him to a table that had been set up for the couple and their immediate families, "Could that happen?" Gillian asked in a concerned voice.

"I'm not sure," Jim replied in a concerned voice as he joined the crowd heading to the reception area.

After settling Gillian, George, and Gabriel at the head table with Lorian and Amanda, Jim made his way over to the table where Pavel, a tired Joanna, David, Lenny, Demora, Peter, Valeris, and Zachary sat together, "I didn't see your parents at the ceremony?" Jim asked in a concerned voice. "I hope everything's all right?"

"Charlie eez een ze hospeetal and has been unconscious and on ze oxygen for ze last five days, keptin," Pavel replied in a quiet voice. "Arianne deed not vant to bozzer you because of Loreean's vedding."

Jim frowned, but said nothing, "Doctor MeeCoy and Arianne are zere veeth heem," Pavel continued just as Johnny and a tired looking Kathy came over to the table and sat down. "Eet has been in ze news."

It was then that Jim noticed that Spock was talking with Nyota as if he was getting ready to leave.

Starfleet Medical

Dr. Piper – Dr. Marcus and I have gone on vacation and will be back at the end of the month – M'Benga.

Dr. Piper smiled at the message on his PADD before slipping it in the pocket of his surgical jacket and looking through the door to Charlie's hospital room. Leonard was seated beside the bed with his arms and upper body resting on the bedrail of the bed where Charlie had spent the last five days unconscious and in poor health. The room was filled with flowers, presents, and get well cards from all over the quadrant, as Charlie's sudden illness had made news both on Earth and outworld comm channels.

Arianne, who had barely left her eldest son's side, was resting on the couch with a blanket over her that Joanna had brought the day before when she had been there for treatment. The two looked exhausted and Dr. Piper knew he needed to do something because Charlie might not wake up for a while yet.

"Doctor McCoy, I think you and your lovely wife could use some rest," Dr. Piper said in a gentle, but firm voice as he entered the room and walked over to the bed. "As I said, Charlie might be out for a while."

Leonard sighed tiredly, but didn't move, "Pavel said he'd come after Lorian reception's was done," he spoke in a tired voice, not looking at Dr. Piper. "I'll take Arianne and go rest when he gets here."

Suddenly, the monitor beeped and Charlie's eyelids fluttered, only to pop open a moment later when Leonard reached for him. Charlie tried to talk, but the oxygen mask immediately muffled his speech.

"Just take it easy," Leonard spoke in a concerned voice as he removed the mask. "What is it?"

Charlie attempted to speak and immediately cringed due to a dry throat, prompting Dr. Piper to go collect ice chips in a cup from the nearby sink, "Here," Dr. Piper spoke gently. "Open wide."

Obediently, Charlie opened wide and accepted the ice chips, nearly gagging as he swallowed them.

"Try not to talk," Arianne spoke shakily as she got up and walked over to the bed with her PADD out and ready for Charlie to use. "If you want to ask questions or talk, use this to communicate for now."

Charlie nodded, but didn't reach for the PADD, "Tired," he mouthed, his eyes widening as he suddenly noticed all of the flowers, gifts, and cards on various tables throughout the room. "What are those…?"

"News of your sudden illness has been broadcast on international and inter-planetary news," Arianne explained in a gentle voice, knowing that Starfleet had definitely pushed their bounds by allowing the information about Charlie's illness to be released. "These gifts are from all of those wishing you well."

Charlie frowned, deeply confused, "You had a seizure from low blood sugar five days ago and you're recovering from dehydration, malnutrition, and a case of pneumonia that you somehow picked up on the away mission," Dr. Piper cut in, seeing Charlie's anxiety. "Seems you haven't eaten much since the Montgomery back from the away mission and Commander Chekov's checked your Academy diet card."

"I haven't felt like it," Charlie spoke weakly. "Would you feel like eating if you killed someone?"

Leonard and Arianne exchanged a concerned look, but Dr. Piper sighed, "If Khan had not been dealt with, all of the Montgomery crew would have eventually been killed," he spoke in a grave voice.

Charlie nodded and suddenly began to cough, prompting Leonard to grab a nose tube off of the wall and gently fit it on Charlie's face, "Thank you," Charlie spoke tiredly, suddenly frowning. "Spock?"

Leonard and Arianne turned just in time to see Spock enter the room, "Captain Spock," Dr. Piper said in a calm voice, turning to greet Spock. "It's good of you to visit. Cadet Pike has just woken up."

Spock raised an eyebrow and Charlie slowly sat up, only to sink back down, "I am not here on official business," he spoke tonelessly. "I am simply here to enquire about your current state of health."

"I'm sure I'll feel better soon," Charlie spoke softly. "My arm might take a little longer to heal."

Spock nodded, "I'm not sure if I'll be able to be a Starfleet surgeon anymore," Charlie spoke in a pained voice, his eyes drooping. "You need both hands for the third and fourth year Medical classes."

"I would recommend you take time to recover and then focus your attention on your future in Starfleet," Spock replied tonelessly. "It is important to be healthy before making such decisions."

Letting out a tired sigh, Charlie closed his eyes and slowly relaxed, "Commander McCoy, a word?" Spock asked quietly, knowing he would not get any further conversation with Charlie for several days.

Nodding, Arianne rose and silently followed Spock from the hospital room, grateful for a distraction.

Starfleet Security

"Sulu, let's go," Hikaru suddenly heard a brisk voice say as he lay on his cot, trying to sleep.

Hikaru groaned and cringed as he slowly sat up and saw Hendorff and a concerned looking Daanan standing there, "President Harriman's ordered your release and overruled the Academy's orders," Hendorff explained as he deactivated the forcefield. "He's actually here to talk to you about it."

Nodding, Hikaru slowly stood and walked over to the arch, deeply surprised when Daanan handed him some Starfleet off-duty clothes, "Let's get you out of those ugly prison blues," she spoke gently.

With Hendorff and Daanan's help, Hikaru managed to change his clothes and go out into the visiting area. A concerned looking President Harriman was sitting at one of the tables and rose to greet him.

"I've had words with Nogura and chastised the Academy severely for their actions," President Harriman explained as Hikaru sat down. "In no way was your Academy training conditional and they did not have the right to threaten you with arrest if you left Earth. I've also reviewed the Enterprise logs and talked with both Captain Kirk and Captain Spock about your participation during the rescue mission."

Hikaru nodded, "If you want to serve as the vice principal at the Starfleet Educational Center, you certainly can, but I believe you'd also make a good Captain of one of the vessels Starfleet has under construction," President Harriman replied calmly. "Those vessels won't be ready for some time, however, and I'd encourage you to keep busy until they are. For now, get someone to look at you."

"Sir?" Hikaru asked in a tired voice, his expression pained as he felt the continued pain in his spine.

President Harriman sighed, "I can't imagine this has been easy on your back," he replied quietly, looking concerned. "I understand injuries from torture quite well and some of them never do fully heal."

"Lorian's wedding is today and I should go see him," Hikaru spoke in an exhausted voice.

Daanan frowned, but said nothing as Hikaru slowly stood up, "I'm sure Lorian and Amanda will understand if you can't be there," President Harriman spoke firmly. "Get some rest."

Before Hikaru could reply, President Harriman stood and silently left the building, "Who knows I'm being released today?" Hikaru asked quietly. "I don't want to take attention away from Lorian and Amanda."

"Can you walk or should we get a transport home?" Daanan asked in a concerned voice.

Hikaru sighed warily as he walked outside with Daanan, "I can handle it if we go slow," he replied.

Daanan nodded and the two walked across the Starfleet properties in silence, both of them enjoying the silence and being together for the first time since their wedding. Soon enough, they had reached the Golden Gate Apartments and were back in their own apartment, away from the prying eyes.

Deeply exhausted, Hikaru immediately went to bed and activated the heat setting, "Just get some sleep and I'll make you some actual food," Daanan spoke gently. "I can't imagine the food was too good…"

Overwhelmed by his time in jail and the pain he was in, Hikaru found himself breaking down in tears while lying in the safety of his bed. Daanan immediately got into bed and gently held him close.

Vulcan Embassy

"He's awake, Spock?" Kathryn asked in an eager voice as she sat with Admiral Pike, Rebecca, Michael, Tuvok, and Jaron at one of the reception tables. "I've really been worried about Charlie, so I'm glad."

Spock nodded, "It will take time, but I believe Charlie will make a full recovery," he replied tonelessly.

Admiral Pike nodded, "The Academy wants Charlie to switch to the Command Track full-time because of what happened on the away mission, but I want to leave the decision up to him," he commented.

"Charlie wants to be a doctor like Leonard is," Michael commented quietly. "He's always wanted it."

Rebecca gave Michael a look, "Khan nearly destroyed his arm," she said in a concerned voice. "You know full well that his arm's going to take a long time to heal and it might not ever be the same as it was."

"I'm aware of that, but it's going to absolutely kill Charlie to be kicked out of the Medical Track because he really loves helping people," Michael spoke quietly. "He didn't ask for what happened to him."

Spock raised an eyebrow, "Indeed," he replied tonelessly. "Charlie did not ask for what happened, but I do believe it is rather impolite to be discussing his future without consulting him beforehand."

Admiral Pike chuckled, "We should probably visit him soon," Michael observed quietly, feeling rather embarrassed at being chastised by Spock over his lapse in etiquette. "Maybe after the reception."

"I would recommend waiting a few days and allowing Charlie time to rest," Spock replied, looking curious as Zachary suddenly hobbled over to the table on his forearm crutches. "Zachary."

Zachary silently nodded at Spock before looking at Admiral Pike, "Grandfather, I was wondering what one had to do to change their Academy track?" he asked quietly. "I've been thinking about it a lot and I don't really think Command is the best fit for me anymore. I'd like to change my career goal."

"One talks to me, for starters," Admiral Pike replied calmly. "What brought this on?"

Zachary swallowed hard, "I've been doing a lot of thinking about how the mission went and I feel like my talents and abilities would be put to better use elsewhere," he spoke softly. "I don't want to be some poster boy Captain for Starfleet and I feel like that is what is going to happen in a few years."

Admiral Pike said nothing, but finally nodded, "Come to my office tomorrow and we'll talk further about this," he spoke calmly. "For now, enjoy the rest of the reception. It's actually quite relaxing."

"I'm actually going to speak with Ambassador Sarek for a moment," Zachary replied. "Excuse me."

Admiral Pike nodded and Zachary silently hobbled off to the table where Ambassador Sarek and the other Vulcan Elders were seated, "Christopher, I think I'm going to go home and have a little rest and also work on the summer's activity schedules," Kathryn commented softly. "If you want to stay…"

"We can both go," Admiral Pike replied reassuringly. "Michael, you and Rebecca have fun."

Kathryn smiled as she hugged and kissed both Michael and Rebecca before getting up and silently leaving the reception site with Admiral Pike at her heels, leaving Michael and Rebecca to look after Jaron and Tuvok, which was fine simply because they were wanting practice with looking after kids.

Golden Gate Apartments

…How was the wedding?" Hikaru heard Daanan ask in a gentle voice as he stood in the privacy of the bathroom, having had a thorough shower before changing into clean pajamas. "Was it interesting?"

There was a chuckle, "Wulcan veddings are alvays interesteeng, but I hawe not been to many," Hikaru heard Pavel say in a gentle voice. "Deemora and Peter had a good time, zo. Are you geeing to veeseet Heekaru soon? Eef you are, I can stay veeth Demora and Peter so you can wisit heem in priwate."

Letting out a sigh, Hikaru silently stepped out of the bathroom, "DADDY!" Peter and Demora shouted as they ran over to Hikaru and hugged his legs while Pavel and Joanna stared at him, deeply surprised to see that Hikaru had been released. David and Lenny looked at each other, both of them delighted.

"President Harriman vetoed the Academy's declaration," Hikaru stated softly as he slowly sat down on the couch and allowed Demora and Peter to share his lap while Daanan sat down next to him.

Pavel nodded, "Can ve do anyseeing for you?" he asked quietly. "You look so eexhausted."

"I'm not sure," Hikaru replied shakily. "I'm just trying to get used to being out of prison, you know?"

Pavel nodded, "Eeef you need anyseeng, I can help," he offered quietly. "I understand eet…"

Hikaru nodded as Demora and Peter climbed off of his lap because they could sense he was growing tired and probably wanted to rest, "Daddy, is it your bedtime?" Demora asked in a worried voice.

"Probably," Hikaru replied quietly even though he made no effort to move from the couch.

Joanna smiled, "Let me make supper for you guys tonight," she offered softly. "I don't mind."

Daanan suddenly looked embarrassed, "I've been so busy with everything that we've been eating at the Academy canteen," she replied anxiously. "I'm not sure if we actually have any food in the apartment."

"Daanan, it's all right," Hikaru spoke shakily as he slowly stood. "I'm not feeling that well anyway."

Daanan frowned, "You barely ate during your time in prison," she replied in a concerned voice.

"I couldn't digest it," Hikaru replied quietly as he wandered into the bedroom. "I'm going to lie down."

Sighing, Daanan silently rose and went into the kitchen. Several moments later, she came out of the kitchen with a large mug of steaming liquid in her hands and immediately went into the bedroom.

Hikaru sighed as he sat on the bed and took the cup that Daanan offered, "Thanks," he spoke softly.

Daanan nodded and watched as Hikaru drank the liquid and immediately vomited, "That's it," she said in a concerned voice. "Yer going tae Starfleet Medical and getting looked at. I don't want ye tae argue."

Hikaru nodded and silently sat there as Daanan went out to ask Pavel and Joanna about babysitting.

Starfleet Academy

"The grass is so warm, Valeris," Zachary spoke quietly as he sat down on the grass and looked up at her.

Valeris, who had had enough of the socially intense reception and had asked Zachary to go on a walk with her, gave Zachary a look and joined him on the grass, "Was your conversation with the Vulcan Elders productive?" she asked tonelessly. "I know you have not been feeling well recently."

"They will be here for several days yet and I've been invited to join them in healing meditation," Zachary replied quietly, gazing at Valeris solemnly. "I've also decided to switch out of the Command Track."

Valeris looked surprised, but nodded quietly, "I hope you remain in Starfleet," she spoke quietly.

Zachary nodded and offered his arm, prompting Valeris to scoot closer to him, "Commander Sulu was released from prison today," Valeris spoke softly. "I overheard my father discussing it with Command."

"Starfleet finally came to their senses," Zachary replied softly. "Where is he going to be assigned?"

Valeris frowned, "I do not know," she replied quietly. "Perhaps he needs time to adjust to freedom."

"Was it hard for you to adjust to freedom?" Zachary spoke softly as he turned his face to Valeris.

Nodding, Valeris allowed Zachary to kiss her and slowly relaxed, her tenseness quickly vanishing.

Starfleet Medical

The bio-monitor blipped as Hikaru lay on the hospital bed that he had been placed in by medics after being delivered to the hospital from the apartments, "When did you actually start feeling unwell?" Leonard, who had put on duty by Dr. Piper to keep him busy, asked in a concerned voice.

"Around the time of the wedding," Hikaru replied quietly. "My immune system's been a problem ever since I was tortured by the Romulans and not being able to take care of myself didn't help it."

Leonard nodded and immediately hooked Hikaru to several dripboxes of fluids before returning to his scanner, "You're dehydrated, so we'll fix that and take some blood for tests," he replied calmly.

"Pavel and Joanna were kind enough to babysit Demora and Peter," Hikaru replied quietly. "Daanan…"

Leonard sighed, "Daanan is waiting outside for me to tell her it's okay to come back," he replied calmly.

"I'm sure I've got anemia," Hikaru spoke softly. "I had it a lot after my experience with the Romulans."

Leonard quickly checked the scanner and his face fell, "Your kidneys and appendix are infected," he replied quietly. "I'm not sure how safe it would be to sedate you, though. It might actually kill you."

"Just give me medicine for the kidneys," Hikaru replied groggily. "I've dealt with this before."

Leonard frowned, but said nothing, "I'll give you an epidural for the appendix," he replied calmly.

"I'm thinking of resigning from Starfleet," Hikaru spoke softly. "I can't keep going through this."

Deeply confused, Leonard sat on the stool beside the bed, "Broken promises and constant let downs," Hikaru elaborated quietly, too tired to get too angry. "I don't even know what my status is anymore."

"Don't focus on that right now," Leonard replied firmly. "Focus on regaining your health."

Hikaru exhaled deeply, "The damage done by Cartwright and the Romulans was meant to leave lasting effects and Cartwright promised I would die for keeping Demora," he replied in a somber voice.

"You're not going to die," Leonard replied firmly. "Cartwright and the Romulans are fools."

Sighing heavily, Hikaru slouched and tried to make himself comfortable, "You might also have a compression fracture from sitting on the hard prison cot," Leonard explained worriedly.

"How long before the surgery?" Hikaru asked tiredly, not wanting to talk anymore.

Swallowing hard, Leonard rose just as Daanan came in, "I'll arrange it," he promised sincerely.

"Surgery?" Daanan asked quietly as Leonard left the room. "Why are ye having surgery?"

Hikaru shakily reached into his pocket and pulled out his PADD, "I'll explain it to everyone in a letter," he spoke tiredly, wondering if he would remain awake while writing. "I'm not as well as I hoped to be."

Golden Gate Apartments

"Pavel, Joanna, are you home?" Pavel heard a quiet voice ask as he silently settled David, Lenny, Demora, and Peter down for naps on the couch while Joanna made supper. "It doesn't look…"

Wondering why Zachary was there instead of at the reception, Pavel opened the apartment door and was surprised to see Zachary and Valeris standing in the hallway, "Eez ze reception ower?" he asked.

"No, I was just wondering if you knew how Charlie's doing?" Zachary asked quietly. "I haven't really visited him in a few days and I just wanted to know if he needed any of my blood to get better."

Pavel frowned, "Geet een here," he replied anxiously, realizing what Zachary meant by that.

Swallowing hard, Zachary led Valeris into the apartment, "Starfleet will not allow me to give blood for obvious reasons, but I will do it if my brother needs it," he explained firmly. "Whatever the cost."

"Why can't you give blood?" Joanna asked in a confused voice. "You're healthy enough to."

Zachary's eyes narrowed, "My blood is tainted with Khan's and the Academy told me that I would not be allowed to donate blood because they don't want to risk the creation of any new Auguments," he explained quietly. "Joachim has never been allowed to donate blood because he is Khan's son…"

"Do Mom and Dad know about this?" Joanna asked in a concerned voice. "It's not right."

Zachary shook his head just as the computer suddenly beeped. Confused as to why the 'urgent message' alarm was going off, Pavel silently went over to the computer and logged into his private account.

To my 'family'

I'm currently at Starfleet Medical with dehydration, kidney issues, an infected appendix, and a possible compound fracture that I acquired in prison. I'm suffering after effects from my time with the Romulans…

….

This is Daanan. Hikaru's been taken off to surgery to get his appendix removed and learn what else may be wrong with him. I'm so angry that Hikaru's having to go through any of this, but he's being extremely positive about everything. Demora and Peter are safe with our closest friends in the world and Monty and his boy are going to be looking after our apartment. I hope our family can get through this…

Unable to read anymore, Pavel blinked tears back and rose from the computer, "Heekaru eez een hospeetal and wery seeck," he explained shakily. "Ze torture from ze Romulans caused eesues."

Joanna frowned and quickly found herself crying, "It's getting late," she spoke shakily. "I'm sorry."

"I should be returning to my family," Valeris spoke quietly. "I will see you later, Zachary."

Zachary nodded and watched as Valeris silently left, "You're welcome to stay tonight," Zachary," Joanna said in a quiet voice, walking over to the couch. "Lenny, David, Demora, Peter, it's time for bed."

Once the children had cleared the couch and gone to the bedroom with Joanna, Zachary settled himself on the couch, but didn't remove his forearm crutches, "Do you vant someseeing to eat?" Pavel asked.

"I'm not hungry," Zachary replied quietly, deep in thought. "I might just get a little rest right now."

Pavel nodded and silently disappeared into the bedroom to say goodnight to the children, leaving Zachary alone. Deeply exhausted from the walk over from the Vulcan Embassy, Zachary released one of his forearm crutches and lifted his legs on to the couch. His body was tired, but his mind was racing.

As Zachary lay there, he slowly allowed his eyes to close, "…Poor Zachary, he has had a long valk from here," he heard Pavel say in a sympathetic voice. "I vill let your parents know zat he eez safe."

For what seemed like hours, Zachary lay on the couch, pretending to sleep as he listened to Pavel and Joanna shut down the apartment and go to bed. Once he was sure they had gone to bed and were asleep, Zachary grabbed his other forearm crutch and slowly eased himself into a standing position.

Swallowing hard, Zachary silently left the apartment and slowly hiked back to the Starfleet properties because he didn't have credits for the bus. The Security patrols nodded politely at Zachary as he hobbled on to campus, as he was still a cadet and cadets were free to travel as they pleased in the summer.

It didn't take Zachary long to get to Starfleet Medical and he immediately made his way to Charlie's hospital room, intending to talk to Leonard about his thoughts. However, when Zachary reached the room, he discovered that Charlie was alone and in a relaxed sleep. A quick look at the bio-monitor above the bed told Zachary that Charlie was still very weak and his chart outlined the same information.

"Don't worry, big brother," Zachary whispered softly. "I'll help both you and Uncle Hikaru."

Determined to be of help no matter the cost to his future, Zachary left the room and forced his tired body down to the blood laboratory. Suddenly, the lights turned on and Dr. Piper entered the room looking both confused and intrigued at seeing Zachary alone in the blood lab at night.

"Cadet McCoy," Dr. Piper said in a kind voice. "What brings you to the blood lab this evening?"

Zachary sighed, "I want to help my brother and Uncle Hikaru," he replied frostily. "I know Charlie's very weak and I know Uncle Hikaru's in bad shape because he and Daanan sent a message to Pavel…"

"The Academy edict was very clear, Zachary," Dr. Piper replied quietly. "I know what you want to do."

Zachary scoffed, "I can't allow people I care about to be very, very sick or die when I can use this blood to help them, Doctor Piper," he argued. "This blood can heal people if it was allowed to be shared."

"If you did this, the Academy would most likely expel you," Dr. Piper replied in a worried voice.

Zachary nodded and silently held out his arm, "Where are my parents?" he asked quietly.

"I sent them home to rest," Dr. Piper replied calmly. "Are you sure you want to give it all up?"

Zachary sighed, "If I don't, how high will the cost end up being for others?" he asked softly. "I'm a universal donor and the blood works for anyone. It's worth it to save valuable lives."

Dr. Piper was silent for several moments and then nodded, "Okay," he replied softly. "Sit there."

"I can do this alone, you know," Zachary replied firmly. "You have a career to consider."

Dr. Piper gave Zachary an amused look as he gathered the necessary supplies, "I want to help you," he replied calmly as he sat back down and prepped the supplies. "Roll up your sleeve and stay calm."

Starfleet Apartments

Jim sighed heavily as he sat down on the couch next to Leonard and Arianne, both of whom were exhausted and grateful for the little gathering with their friends, "How's life, Bones?" he asked.

"I thought you'd be with your family tonight, Jim," Leonard commented quietly. "They need you."

Jim smiled, taking Gillian's hand in his own as he looked at his friends, "Lorian and Amanda are off on a quiet honeymoon and Rebecca and Michael offered to look after Gabriel and George for us," he replied calmly. "I thought the least we could do was come and see if we can do anything for your family."

"I'm just as worried about Sulu as you are, Jim," Leonard replied quietly, knowing full well that Jim knew how his godchildren were doing. "Charlie's weak, but he's a stubborn fighter; Kathy is spending time with Johnny and President Harriman tonight; and Zachary is probably spending time with Valeris. I'm not allowed to go back to Medical until tomorrow, though, because Doctor Piper said I needed rest."

Just then, the door slid open and Spock and Nyota came into the house, "Saavik is staying with Tuvok and Jaron," Nyota stated softly. "We thought we'd come and join everyone in seeing how you are."

"I'm tired," Leonard replied gruffly, immediately leaning against Arianne. "It's been a long few days."

Spock nodded, "We will not stay long," he replied tonelessly. "May I get beverages for everyone?"

"That would be wonderful, Spock," Arianne replied softly. "Thank you for being considerate."

Nodding, Spock disappeared into the kitchen and Nyota joined the group on the couch, "There's a very real chance we could lose Charlie because his body's just quitting," Leonard spoke in a shaky voice. "It was hard enough to hear about Sulu being sick and not being able to do anything, but my own son…"

"I think I'd better put Doctor McCoy to bed," Arianne spoke shakily. "Leonard, it's time for bed."

Leonard sighed as Arianne helped him up and escorted him to their bedroom. A few moments later, Arianne returned to the living room and silently sat on the couch with her emotions restrained.

"I didn't want everyone to know," Arianne spoke softly. "Khan did a lot of damage to Charlie."

A heavy silence filled the living room as the reality of Khan's brutality hit everyone's minds.

Starfleet Medical

"You should rest, Zachary," Dr. Piper said in a concerned voice as they lingered outside the room where Charlie was resting. "You don't need to be there when I give this to your brother. It's actually better…"

Zachary scoffed and replied by entering the room and watching as Dr. Piper came in. Dr. Piper silently hooked the IV bag of blood to Charlie's arm, unsurprised when Charlie didn't even stir a little bit.

"I'm surprised Khan didn't kill him," Dr. Piper commented softly. "They had one heck of a fight."

Nodding, Zachary slowly followed Dr. Piper from the room and down the hallway to where Hikaru was recovering from the surgery, "Doctor Piper, Zachary," Daanan spoke softly as they entered the room.

"I'm giving some of my blood to Uncle Hikaru," Zachary spoke quietly. "It will make him well."

Daanan frowned in confusion, but said nothing, "When I was a child, some of Khan's blood was forcibly given to me and the Academy won't allow me to donate blood because of that, but I care more about helping my friends and family than a prestigious Starfleet career," Zachary explained quietly. "I care."

"Yer so much like yer mother," Daanan replied softly, tears brimming in her eyes. "Thank ye."

Dr. Piper silently hooked up the drip-box of blood, "Come on, Zachary," he spoke quietly.

Zachary swallowed hard and shakily followed Dr. Piper from the room and down the hall to a private exam room, "Lie down and I'll start some fluids," Dr. Piper spoke calmly. "You don't look well."

It took all of Zachary's strength to lie down on the bed and Dr. Piper immediately hooked him to some drip-boxes of fluids, "Do you want me to contact anyone?" Dr. Piper asked in a concerned voice, eyeing the bio-monitor above the bed with a frown. "I'm not sure giving blood was good for you."

"I know," Zachary replied in a tired voice. "My only hope is that both Uncle Hikaru and Charlie…"

Dr. Piper nodded, "Rest and I'll contact your parents," he replied in a concerned voice.

Zachary frowned at that, but exhaustion quickly forced him to remain where he was resting.

Starfleet Housing

"…Thank you for calling, Pavel," Arianne spoke in a tired voice as she looked at Pavel, who was on a viewscreen and had just told her that Zachary's whereabouts were unknown. "I'll wait up for him."

Pavel nodded, "Eef Zachary comes back here, I vill call again," he replied softly. "Good night."

As the viewscreen went black, Arianne sighed and turned to Jim, Spock, and Nyota, all of whom were on the couch, "You three don't have to stay," she said softly. "I've kept you away from your families…"

"You are family, Arianne," Jim replied quietly. "Gillian understands that I need to be here right now."

Nodding, Arianne knew that he was right because Gillian had offered to pull strings to get Charlie and Hikaru medical help from London if they needed it. She had then gone home to relieve Rebecca and Michael and spend time with George and Gabriel, trusting that Jim would come home when he could.

Arianne sighed and sat down on the couch, frowning when the comm-unit went off again, "Please do not rise from your comfortable spot," Spock stated tonelessly. "I shall answer the call for you, Arianne."

"Thank you, Spock," Arianne replied, frowning when Spock answered and Dr. Piper came on screen.

Dr. Piper cleared his throat, "Commander McCoy, good evening, is Doctor McCoy around?" he said in a pleasant, yet fairly serious voice. "I actually need to talk to you about something extremely important."

"Doctor McCoy is sleeping and I'm not going to wake him," Arianne replied firmly. "What is it?"

Dr. Piper sighed, "Zachary showed up at Starfleet Medical and donated blood to both Charlie and Commander Sulu," he replied in a solemn voice. "He is currently recovering from that donation."

"The Academy forbade him to give blood," Jim commented anxiously. "Because of…."

Dr. Piper nodded, "Zachary decided to risk his future to save those who matter to him," he replied.

Jim's eyes widened in shock, but he didn't say anything, "I thought you would like to know that Zachary is in the process of reporting himself to Starfleet," Dr. Piper explained quietly. "Zachary refuses to let me sacrifice my career; however, I'm going to be of help to him as much as I can whatever may happen."

A deep horror washed over Arianne, Jim, Spock, and Nyota as they realized that trouble was coming.

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